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CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

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ALABAMA’S OLDEST TOWN OFFERS A PEEK INTO 19^th CENTURY VILLAGE LIFE

Decatur, Ala. – Each day, approximately 50,000 vehicles speed by Exit 2 on I-565, not knowing Alabama’s oldest town is tucked away just a few feet from the busy thoroughfare. Incorporated in 1818, the town of Mooresville still has the look and feel as it did in the early 1800s, and on odd-numbered years, this tight-knit community of only 53 residents invites everyone for a peek into 19^th century village life. Expanding to three days, this year’s celebration is set for May 20-22, 2011.

The weekend event kicks off on Friday with painting and photography workshops and a cooking demonstration with dinner and a concert. Led by Sara Beth Fair and Lee Ann Satterfield, the acrylic painting class of an iconic Mooresville subject is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the old Alabama Mountain Lakes Association building at the corner of Broad and North Streets. Cost is $25 per person with all supplies furnished. Beth Pockman Young, a former Southern Living magazine photographer, will conduct an outdoor photography class from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Barr home located at 2008 Broad Street. Participants must furnish their own camera. Cost is $50 per person.

A cooking demonstration with Huntsville’s Watercress Restaurant chefs, Adam DeWildt and Goodwin Clark, begins at 6 p.m. This talented duo will prepare a southern meal of Hoppin’ John Salad with watercress, grilled quail, grilled chicken with a honey mustard glaze, and their seasonal bread pudding. Following dinner will be a concert with Grammy-award winning songwriter Richard Leigh. A meet and greet with Leigh is available just prior to the cooking demonstration at 5:30 p.m. All activities take place in Woody Peebles’ “Dance Hall.” Cost is $135 per person and is limited to 100 people.

On Saturday, the residents invite visitors to experience 19^th century village life with a self-guided walking tour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The town’s four historic public buildings will be open for tours: the 1821 Stagecoach Tavern, reportedly the oldest frame public building in Alabama; the 1839 Brick Church, one of the few remaining examples of the Greek Revival Brick Churches built in Alabama in the early 19^th century; the 1840 Post Office, the oldest continually operating post office building in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States; and the 1854 Church of Christ, where General James A. Garfield who would later become our 20^th President, preached while encamped nearby during the Civil War.

In addition to the historic public buildings, four private residences will be open: the Zeitler-Hill-McLain House, the Barr House, the Oliver-Bedingfield-Green House, and for the first time, the 1890 Aunt Mandy and Uncle Zack Simmons Cottage. Artisans will be on-hand demonstrating 19^th century trades and crafts and the 19^th Alabama Civilian re-enactors will demonstrate life during the Civil War in a civilian camp. Other activities include lectures on the history of Mooresville, live music, and a variety of items from Woody Peebles’ private collection of Americana will be on display.

The three day event concludes on Sunday with an 11 a.m. service in the Old Brick Church led by Rev. Sallie Colwick of the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville followed by a simple Church Mouse Dinner on the grounds. There is no charge; however, donations will be accepted.

Admission for Saturday’s walking tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12 years old. Proceeds from the weekend event support the preservation of Mooresville historic public buildings. For more information contact Kathryn Price at 256.353.4406 or visit www.mooresvillealabama.com.

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